Public health officials are continuing to emphasize the importance of booster jabs and testing as the FLiRT Covid variant continues to pose a threat to summer plans. Cases of Covid symptoms linked to the FLiRT variants, including sore throats, headaches, persistent coughs, and fatigue, have been on the rise in recent weeks, putting a damper on summer activities for many individuals.
The UK has been grappling with a surge in new Covid-19 cases fueled by the FLiRT variants, derived from the letters in the names of their mutations. However, there is some hope on the horizon as the number of positive tests being recorded has started to decline. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases dropped by nearly 27% in the week leading up to August 8. Unfortunately, deaths saw an increase of nearly 11% during that same week, with 193 reported fatalities. On a positive note, hospital admissions have also decreased by 14%, with 2695 individuals admitted in the week ending July 29.
The FLiRT family of coronavirus variants, which includes KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1, has been identified as among the leading strains contributing to the recent surge in cases. Health experts have pointed to the KP.3 variant as a subvariant of the highly contagious Omicron strain, which, along with other variants, accounts for over 69% of cases in the US. These new variants are proving to be more adept at spreading, with spike proteins that are better at evading immune defenses and slightly more infectious, according to NHS GP Dr. Mariyam Malik. This increased transmissibility raises concerns about reinfection, as the variants may weaken the protection offered by vaccines and prior Covid infections.
Symptoms associated with the FLiRT variants include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell, brain fog, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as upset stomach, mild diarrhea, and vomiting. Dr. Malik warns that with the lifting of legal restrictions like social distancing and mandatory masks, viruses are more likely to spread, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of these new variants.
Virologist Professor Lawrence Young of Warwick University echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the virus has not disappeared and is not necessarily a seasonal infection. The combination of new, more infectious variants and waning immunity could contribute to increased infection rates. While the hope is that this won’t lead to a significant wave of infections, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely. Vaccines continue to offer protection against severe symptoms, with reinfections generally resulting in milder illness.
As Covid testing remains essential in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus, individuals may find it more challenging to access free rapid lateral flow or PCR tests from the NHS online. However, both types of tests are still available for purchase in shops, pharmacies, and online. Those with underlying health conditions or working in healthcare settings may still be eligible for free lateral flow tests from a pharmacy. Additionally, vulnerable and older individuals will soon be offered the Autumn booster, with the NHS reaching out to eligible individuals to arrange appointments.
While no Covid restrictions are currently in place in the UK, the government advises individuals who test positive to stay home to prevent further transmission. It is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures to protect oneself and others from the virus. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and following public health guidance will be key in navigating the ongoing challenges posed by the FLiRT Covid variants.
For more information and updates on Covid-19 and related topics, please visit our news page.